It’s amazing what a home ground, new pavilion, dedicated volunteers, and a young, enthusiastic band of players can do for a Club. Add to that strong coaching, competition for spots and the growing interest in East Brighton from people of eras past, and you have a place where men and women alike want to be. Certainly a 180-degree shift on where we were at 12 months ago.

Competing in Division 2 has so far yielded 3 wins and 2 losses for the boys; these wins consecutive and to the naked eye, Peter Larsen has a game plan that when executed consistently, delivers results. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there is significant room for improvement but to sing the song for a third week in a row was such an amazing feeling. So much so that Saturday’s rendition after the Highett game sounded as though the boys didn’t need the words provided.

The inaugural Women’s Footy Team got off to a flier under lights at Hurlingham Park in front of a big crowd back on 28th April. Don’s girls turned it on in their first outing beating Oakleigh Districts by 5 goals and admirably, only just falling short in an undermanned outfit v Highett on Saturday. It’s fair to say that the integration of female football at East Brighton has been encouraged and supported by the Senior Men’s playing group and it’s so good to see everyone hanging around and being there to support each other. There is a good feel about the place, and it is important that we as a committee continue to work hard to ensure our culture of inclusiveness, respect and development grows stronger and uncompromised.

After a slow start, after 4 Rounds our Netballers are 2 wins, 2 losses including a smashing of St Kilda City 30 – 13, flowed up by another great win on the weekend over Murrumbeena (36-26). Emily’s girls play at the Dingley Courts each week along with all the SFNL Netball games which means that unfortunately, most of us with football commitments rarely get to get along and support them; we admire the tenacity of our Netball leaders and look forward to getting together at social events.

The new pavilion is terrific and hosting the ‘Back to East Brighton’ day in Round 1 saw the coming together of many past players and officials and their families, culminating in a terrific day for all. Many thanks must go to Alan Meaney and his wife Faye for printing and arranging the raffle that raised $3,500 and allowed us to pay off the balance owing on the new electronic scoreboard. John Sculley must be thanked for feeding around 200 people at no cost to them – very generous and to that again, to all who helped make that day a great one, thank you.

Financially the Club is doing significantly better than last year however I need to stress the importance of all stakeholders in our Club to be ambassadors for financial support. By that I mean that by purchasing a Membership for $75.00, and encouraging family and friends to do so makes a big difference. If you have a business and would like to Sponsor a Player, then for $400 you can make an even bigger difference. Many thanks to all our sponsors old and new for your continued support.

The ‘Alan Meaney Roast’ is being hosted by the Bloods Coterie group on 27th May. Alan is a legend of East Brighton and his achievements will be on display and spruiked by a panel of speakers at the Hurlingham Social Rooms on Saturday 27th May. Tickets $50 includes finger food; drinks at Bar Prices.

A Bye next week then back at Home against Chelsea Heights on May 20th. A real test. Go Vamps!